Manchester Township-area florists are gearing up for Valentine's Day — their busiest day of the year next to Mother's Day. And they say buying from a local florist not only keeps their customers' money in their community, but it also means they'll get the best quality flowers.

"We take a lot of pride in our work," said Kathy Abrahamsen, vice president of Colonial Bouquet on Union Avenue in Lakehurst. "The personal touch makes a difference."

Abrahamsen said she expects to sell 25 to 30 dozen red roses on Valentine's Day.

"The first thing on a man's mind is roses — they're the tradition," she said. "For our regular customers, if their girl or wife likes lilies or tulips, that's what they'll give. They know it's a proven winner for them."

Heather Dries, owner of Cooper's Florist and Gifts on Route 70 in Lakehurst, agreed that roses are still the top seller for Valentine's Day and she expects to sell 20 to 25 dozen roses, mostly red.

"Valentine's Day is a roses day," said Dries, whose family-run business opened its doors in 1972 on Route 37, moving to their current location three years ago.  "Roses, teddy bears and chocolates are the original standard.  And with the economy the way it is, they're going back to basics."

Cooper's sells what they call a "love package," which includes a dozen roses, a teddy bear and chocolates, she said. They also have a "romance bouquet," an arrangement of roses with pink and white Stargazer lilies mixed in.

Tracy Vincent of A Whiting Flower Shoppe on Route 530 in Whiting, said she has found that more people are doing mixed flower arrangements with a European look, such as hydrangeas, tulips and irises. 

"Guys feel that roses are boring and complain they don't last as long," said Vincent. "They love carnations and daisies because they're long-lasting. They're also good for the budget so they can buy other things like chocolates, candles and balloons."

Vincent's shop specializes in high-end tropicals, such as Birds of Paradise, Ginger and Protea flowers, which last more than a month.

"If you want to wow somebody for Valentine's Day, think outside the box and send something more creative," she said.

The florists said it doesn't matter which flowers people choose — the recipient will feel special.

"Flowers have a fleeting time period but the memories last longer than the flowers do," said Abrahamsen. "Everyone remembers the first time or the last time they got flowers and how it made them feel."

All three florist suggested if people are thinking of sending or giving flowers for Valentine's Day, it's best not to wait for the last minute. But they said those shoppers coming in that day won't be disappointed.

"There's always the last minute guy who is so grateful we helped him get something special," said Abrahamsen.

Vincent she will spend several sleepless nights leading up to the Feb. 14 holiday and then will remain open all day on the holiday.

"I don't sleep until the last flower is gone," Vincent said. "I'm open 24 hours for any man. We sell love; we welcome it."

Each of the flower shop proprietors said there are plenty of romantic Valentine's Day stories, such as men asking that an engagement ring be placed in the flower arrangement when delivered to their loved one.

"One guy wanted the ring tied to the top rose," said Abrahamsen.  "He delivered it himself and she said yes.  A couple of years later we did their wedding."

Vincent said they do a lot of Valentine's arrangements for secret admirers.

"It's cute when you have a 75-year-old person married for 50 years doing something like that after all those years," she said.

The florists, who get their flowers from places such as Colombia, Ecuador, California and Florida, say roses should last five to seven days with the proper care. Dries said to place the flowers in a cool place, away from drafts and anything that gives off heat.

"Change the water every day; as long as there is fresh water, they drink better," said Dries. "Cut the rose stems on an angle, keep the water clean and add water to mixed arrangements or baskets."